The Runt novel Chapter 3

I sleep through the dinner and straight through breakfast too but fight off whatever was 'bugging' me. When I wake up it is nearly eleven am – time for me to help in the kitchen, especially with so many extra mouths to feed. It isn't something I have to do – in our pack everyone volunteers for their jobs – no one works in the kitchen unless they want to, or is a soldier, etc. and everyone is expected to pitch in. I may have limitations but as it turns out, I'm a decent cook and the kitchen is where I found my niche. In addition to sandwiches, I've had my Overnight Soup on the stove simmering since last night and it'll be ready for lunch today.

I hurriedly shower, washing off the fever sweat, then dress in jeans and a T-shirt over my lace undies. Making my way to the kitchen, I pass several pack members already working hard on whatever tasks are needed to keep us operational and functioning and we exchange greetings. I will eat with the 'grunts' for the rest of the summit, last night's dinner being the only time the pack sits down with the visiting Alphas. Now the guests will for the most part keep to themselves and try to get through their meetings as quickly as possible and in some cases, as many she-wolves as possible. Some of those visiting Alphas and Betas are the very definition of dog and give them all a bad name, but I really try to not paint them all with one stroke. If being the runt has taught me anything, it is not to judge on superficial things like appearances, otherwise I wouldn't be here. That is just one of the many valuable lessons Alpha Daddy and my family pack have taught me.

Humility is another which is why everyone has a job – including me. My soup is ready and as the warriors start trickling in, I ask one of them to move the large pot for me. Once in place, I assume my position as Official Ladler – the only way to ensure everyone gets a fair share otherwise fights have been known to break out. It's all quite silly – it is just soup after all, but I'm told it's quite delicious and the warriors sincerely seem to enjoy it. Because of that, I enjoy making it for them and despite the fact that it is a three-day process including almost an entire day of prep work – my family is worth it.

I sent a small pot to the meeting room where Alpha Daddy is with the other Alphas, eating their lunch in case he wants any soup. He adores my soup and I'd hate for him to miss out and be disappointed afterwards, and when the pot comes back empty, I'm pleased. I doubt Alpha Daddy ate it all himself so I hope whoever he shared with also liked it – thinking of all of the full bellies being kept warm by my efforts fills me with joy.

Now it is time to start the dishes.

KACE, THAT IS NOT JUST SOUP

However...? Yeah, however... she works in the kitchen? Phoenix growls at me disapprovingly, not happy with the way my thoughts are going. Elitist! So what if she works in the kitchen? That means she is hard working and industrious, you should be proud of that! He practically shouts at me. I don't bother arguing with him that he repeated himself and his argument is pointless. I have no problem with anyone, let alone my mate, working in a kitchen – we'd all starve to death without them, especially me who can't boil water without starting a fire. No, it isn't me I'm worried about and you should know better.

It's father.